Jennifer Riekes is a dedicated public health professional and urban planning student pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Policy and Urban Planning at the University of California, Irvine. Her commitment to equity in healthcare policy and community-focused research shapes her academic and professional journey. Jennifer has gained significant legislative experience as a Legislative Assistant with the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association and as a Legislative Intern for Senator Dianne Feinstein. These roles involved advocating for critical healthcare legislation, such as the Healthy Cardiac Monitoring Act and the NIH IMPROVE ACT, and fostering collaboration among legislators, stakeholders, and community members. Her research endeavors include investigating HPV vaccine hesitancy with Dr. Suellen Hopfer and analyzing urban transportation data to inform city planning initiatives. These projects have honed her skills in qualitative and quantitative research and policy analysis. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Jennifer is passionate about spending time outdoors, exploring new hiking trails, and volunteering in community initiatives. She is driven by a vision to bridge gaps in healthcare access and urban planning, ensuring that underrepresented communities are equitably served.
